You’ve submitted your manuscript and now the project you’ve been pouring over is materializing into a book. As an independent author, you get to determine the look and feel of your book. The print-on-demand company we work with, IngramSpark, offers a variety of options when it comes to printing your self-published book. Here are some options to consider for your work.

Cover finish

IngramSpark offers a glossy cover or a matte cover. These two options give the reader different visual and tactile experiences. A glossy cover is considered to be the classic choice and will give a rich and vibrant look to your book cover. A colourful photo like a sunrise or ocean scene will pop with a glossy cover. It’s more durable so it can repel small coffee or water spills, within reason. The downside to glossy covers is that they scuff and scratch more easily.

In comparison, matte book covers are trending right now. The finish is professional looking and can give a contemporary look to your cover design. Not to mention the feel of a matte cover is quite unique – its smooth, soft surface will give the reader not only a visual but a tactile experience. Matte lends well to more subtle cover art and will absorb and hide scratches more so than a glossy cover. However, a matte finish may dull certain colours.

Perforated pages

IngramSpark now offers perforated pages on certain book sizes. This is appealing to authors and artists producing colouring books or instruction manuals. Some authors of children’s books may find this option useful as well. There is an additional cost of $0.0025 USD per page for perforation.

Duplex covers

IngramSpark also offers printing on the inside of the cover, front and back, in select trim sizes. It’s a fun way to add production value to your book and create a product that is memorable and visually appealing. Besides having graphics on the inside of your book cover (think of repeating designs in a children’s book) you can also put an author photo along with a short author bio in that spot, freeing up precious cover space. More experienced authors could list previously published works there. Duplex covers cost an extra $0.25 USD per book.

Check out Ingramspark’s website for more on the printing options available to you as a self-published author.